Places to Breastfeed and Change Diapers

Tips on scoping out places to breastfeed and change your baby.

When the baby is in a good mood (or better, sleeping peacefully in the stroller), scope out your local shopping destinations for "safe places" where you can feed and change her. That way you can get out of the house every day and know that you don't have to race against the clock to get back home. We recommend the children's area of any bookstore. Find a quiet corner and a tiny chair and pull out your boob or bottle.

If you aren't ready for public feeding this first month, we totally understand. Look around, make a mental note of where you see moms feeding babies and come back next month to try it yourself. By the end of month 2, you'll probably have your own favorite places. Then you can accost other new mothers on the street and tell them where to go.

Rookie Mom-recommended safe feeding places:

Nordstrom women's lounges. These have areas that are specially intended for feeding and changing—plus lots of nice old ladies who can watch your stuff or even your baby while you use the bathroom.

Baby boutiques. You'll usually find changing tables and chairs for feeding.

Family restaurant chains. Most aren't crowded on weekdays, so you can get a big booth where all your stuff will fit. Rookie mom Sunny spent a large part of her maternity leave with baby Lucas in her local California Pizza Kitchen.